Performance of a thermocouple subjected to a variable current

The aim of this study is to understand the various thermoelectrical phenomena by creating a 1D model that dynamically reacts like a thermocouple through which a current is passed. A new style of modelling is used in this study, which allows the characteristics transition between the two different alloys to be programmable. The main objective is to determine the best parameters that characterize the junction in terms of Seebeck coefficient and heat transfer coefficient in order to obtain a reliable model of the thermocouple. Experiments are performed on an E-type thermocouple of 80 μm in diameter. This thermocouple is subjected to three different types of variable currents. The 1D finite difference model results are compared with the experimental data acquired using an infrared camera. The development of an accurate dynamic model leads to a model exploration of the thermocouple response.